When my granddaughters were 4 (Josie) and 2 (Avie), their mom and I resorted to an age-old contest to get the food off the plates and into the bellies. Whoever eats their food first would win, and soon dessert would be forthcoming. Little one shoveled it in while her older sister procrastinated. I’m not sure how long we belly-laughed when little bit took her last bite and announced, “This is how you win the GAAAAME!!” Indeed.

Everyone has thoughts about these troubling days. If I were Moses, I’d find out who needs to be convinced to let the people go so we can move on from these struggles that feel like plagues, one after another.

We’re weary, aren’t we? Pandemic, floods, bickering that has turned into all-out-wars, and now a nation so divided we can’t remember which end is up.

I read it all. I watch the same videos you do. I pray and try to absorb and put myself in others’ shoes — even considering those on the other side of mine. I weep, I am shocked. Once in awhile, I’m reminded that not everyone is choosing to pick up swords. After all, this really isn’t a racial issue at its core. We have a huge humanity problem, friends. We see through lenses that focus on political stands, color, differences, and completely forget how we’d feel or respond if we saw a person hurting on the street? Would we check their voting record or genetics before we’d step up and help? Everyone is scared and hurting. We are all, truly, in this together.

Do I have strong feelings — opinions? You betcha! But there’s an answer, friends. It’s the hard and high road. But we’ve already been given the answer, and like I always told my kids, You’re responsible for you. I wish I could find a way to appeal to every heart that grieves the US AND THEM like I do. If I could, I’d ask one question. It’s cliche. It was a thing for awhile there. But would you take the next couple days and apply it to every single situation you read about or observe?

What WOULD Jesus do?

I guarantee, it would look a lot less like angry words, division, opinions, judgment, breaking things, hurting people, deciding we’re the right ones, caring less about our neighbor than ourselves, outright hate, and us-and-them mentalities.

It would look just like grace, mercy, kindness, self-control, peace, gentleness, goodness, and LOVE dripping over the whole pile.

This is what you can do. None of the first list. All of the latter. After all, you’re responsible for you.

And this is how we all win the game.